Hillsboro Fire Department points to lead acid fumes

Cascade Systems Technologies was evacuated July 21, 2014 after workers complained of facial irritation and breathing difficulty. Eighteen people were eventually treated after lead acid battery fumes were discovered. (HF&R)

HILLSBORO, Ore. (KOIN 6) — Eighteen people were taken to local hospitals after being exposed to lead acid battery fumes, Hillsboro Fire Department representatives said Monday.

Those exposed were all employees at Cascade Systems Technologies, where fire investigators say several batteries were placed on a timed charger over the weekend that failed to shut off.

Two of the batteries overheated, causing a handful of workers to complain of eye and nose irritations, breathing difficulties and nausea.

About 50 to 60 employees were evacuated shortly before 8 a.m. Hillsboro firefighters set up a triage unit outside the building and eventually determined that none of those affected suffered from serious symptoms.